Patrons of a popular live-music pub in Sidcup fear their favourite watering hole could face closure if plans to build flats are approved.

A petition to 'save' The Iron Horse in Station Road has attracted close to 1,000 signatures as pubgoers believe an application from developer Coplan Estates to build 59 flats next to and above the pub could lead to an increase in noise complaints, potentially forcing the boozer to close its doors.

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According to the petition, The Iron Horse has become a "secure hub for the ever-expanding local live music scene in Sidcup" and there is concern the pub could follow an alarming trend which has seen a number of music venues in the UK shutting after homes were built next to them.

However, according to a noise assessment submitted by Coplan Estates, the developer recognises the pub is known for live music and, under the recently introduced 'Agent of Change' principle, it is its responsibility to ensure the proposed flats will be appropriately sound-proofed.

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The Agent of Change principle is an amendment to the National Planning & Police Framework which was passed last October and is aimed at protecting existing live-music venues and clubs in the event that new homes spring up nearby.

A council spokeswoman added a statement within the petition which notes this development was announced "in co-operation" with the council was not true and the application is being dealt with in accordance with planning guidelines.

She said; "The petition appears to indicate that the developer has announced plans for the development in co-operation with council – this is not the case.

"The application is currently being considered by the council’s planning department and will be assessed against the council’s planning policies in the normal objective way.

"The council has notified neighbours of the planning application made by the developer, in the same way that it does for all planning applications."